Martin Guitar Buying Guide

In 1801, Johann Georg Martin sent his 15 year old son Christian Frederick Martin to Vienna to apprentice with Johann Stauffer – one of the preeminent guitar makers of the day. Under Stauffer’s tutelage, Martin developed the skills and craft that have become his legacy six generations and more than 181 years later.

After returning from Vienna to his hometown of Markneukirchen, Germany, Martin became embroiled in a feud with the restrictive violin and cabinet makers guilds. In 1833, he packed up his family and tools and emigrated to America to establish his trade in a growing nation. After six years in New York City, Martin moved to Nazareth, Pennsylvania where in 1867 he founded C. F. Martin & Co. with his son and first cousin.

The Martin factory's façade in 1912.

Throughout its history, C. F. Martin & Co. has been at the forefront of guitar design, craftsmanship, premium materials and tone, developing many innovations that are now recognized as standards of the industry. Martin’s innovative X-bracing, first introduced in 1843, as well as countless original body shapes and sizes (such as the famous Orchestra Model and Dreadnought models) have defined the acoustic guitar worldwide. Growing from a small shop in New York to its current Nazareth location with more than 600 employees, Martin guitars have continued to drive innovation while honoring tradition and legacy in the guitar world. Whether you’re a beginning player or a guitar legend, Martin’s makes a guitar that will inspire your passion for music!

Take a video tour of the faces, hands, hearts, and minds behind the exquisite craftsmanship of Martin guitars.

Why Choose a Martin?

The Martin Standard Series HD-28 is an immaculate re-creation of the herringbone Style 28 instruments considered the pinnacle of acoustic guitar sound and design by many Martin fans.

As we note below, Martin guitars have been played by some of the most important musicians of our era. As these countless artists appreciate, Martins have a trademark sound and playability that make them the gold standard other guitar makers attempt to emulate.

The Martin Museum contains an unparalleled treasure trove of vintage instruments that span the company’s history. More than just a repository of great instruments, the museum is an essential resource for Martin luthiers who pore over the collection in the course of re-creating historic models as well as using it as a touchstone in developing new designs. As a further resource, Martin’s instrument builders also have access to a recently digitized archive of essential details about historic instruments. The museum and archives help inform Martin’s R&D efforts in a way that’s unmatched elsewhere.

As with all great organizations, Martin’s strengths lie in the people who work there. Many employees are second- and third-generation members of families whose Martin ties run deep. The culture of old-world craftsmanship has been passed down through these families and generations, and that transmission of “Martin DNA” continues to be a big factor in the company’s continued vitality. This collective knowledge continues to infuse Martin with the mojo that has kept the company at the forefront of the acoustic instrument world.

Martin maintains what may be the most incredible repair facility in the world. Charged with the responsibility of repairing and restoring some of the most valuable and oldest instruments in the world, the staff has a deep understanding of old-world construction techniques. When you purchase a Martin guitar, you can count on this expertise should any issues arise with your instrument.

Hands-on assistance from our resident expert Private Reserve Guitar Advisors. We can hand-select your instrument—typically from among multiple instruments—to find the guitar you desire and that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Call one of our Guitar Advisors at 866-926-1923 for in-hand tone reports, additional photos, or to schedule Skype sessions.

Famous Martin Players

If you’ve listened to your fair share of acoustic guitar music, you’ve probably heard (and loved) the sound of a Martin guitar. As a leading guitar manufacturer with one of the most respected and well-known reputations in the industry, many discerning players have relied on Martin guitars over the years to achieve their sweet, acoustic sound onstage and in the studio. Whether delivering a rousing acoustic rock set, layering harmony for countless folk legends or hitting the stage with some of today’s most popular music “legends” in the making, Martin guitars have been pleasing audiences for years. Some famous Martin players include: Jimmy Page, David Crosby, Neil Young, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, John Mayer, Johnny Cash, Neko Case, Elvis Presley, Kurt Cobain, Joan Baez, Gene Autry, Thom Yorke, Woodie Guthrie, Colbie Caillat, Eddie Vedder, Willie Nelson, The Avett Brothers, Mumford and Sons, Ed Sheeran, Dierks Bentley and Hunter Hayes.

How to Choose the Right Martin Guitar for You

Martin guitars come in many different sizes, shapes, and wood combinations. They are available at many different price points as well. The degree of handwork and the quality of the woods and other materials used in various Martin models dictate their prices. That said, as we note below, there are some remarkably affordable Martin acoustics that can deliver much of the tone and craftsmanship for which the company is known. Only you can ultimately determine which Martin will best suit your budget and your needs. Use this guide to help you narrow down the options from the hundreds of Martin models you’ll find at Musician’s Friend.

You can browse the entire Musician’s Friend selection of Martin guitars here.

Size, Scale and Sound

A logical first step is to determine the body shape and size that best suits you. If you are petite, have small hands, or prefer a smaller-bodied guitar, consider one of the Little Martin Series models built on a ¾ scale. You can choose from both acoustic and acoustic-electric models. Some guitarists who often travel opt for a Little Martin due to their great portability.

Orchestra and 000 body styles are another option for those looking for a smaller instrument. Smaller than a standard dreadnought, they offer greater comfort, especially for folks with smaller hands and frame. These smaller-bodied guitars have a more balanced sound than dreadnoughts with somewhat less emphasis on bass notes. Die to their well-balanced tonal range they’re a popular choice in recording. Choose what is right for you.

Martin dreadnought models are prized for their great projection and volume. Their larger sound chambers provide deep, rolling bass notes that are ideal for powerful rhythmic accompaniment in settings such as bluegrass bands where strong, percussive rhythm playing is essential. Open-string chords deliver plenty of bright jangle and fingerstyle picking reveals the great tonal contrasts that Martin dreadnoughts are known for.

The Martin 15 Series 000-15M Acoustic Guitar has a comfortable 000 body style with 14-fret neck and is built entirely of solid mahogany for warm, round tone with the increased articulation thanks to its smaller body.

Tonewoods

When choosing your Martin guitar, it is important to consider wood. A significant portion of a guitar’s sound comes from the type of wood used for the top (the soundboard). Most Martins feature a solid wood top, which will produce a fuller, richer, louder sound than their laminate counterparts discussed below.

Spruce is the most common wood used for Martin soundboards, due to its loud, clear response. However, other tonewoods are available including cedar, which delivers a light and airy sound, and mahogany, which is tonally deep and robust.

The back and sides of the guitar contribute greatly to the guitar’s overall tone as well. The most common options for back and side woods are mahogany, rosewood, and maple. Rosewood helps the guitar to stand out among a mix of instruments, with its deep bass resonance and brilliant highs. Mahogany tends to blend more, having a more balanced tonal spectrum. (Sapele found in many Martin instruments offers similar tonal qualities as mahogany.) Maple emphasizes volume, projection, and increased sustain. Consider where you plan to play your Martin. Many live performers—whether plugged or unplugged—prefer a spruce and rosewood combination to help their guitar sound stand out while performing. Many studio artists prefer a spruce and mahogany combination for more even dynamics. All of these options usually can be found in a Martin that’s within your budget.

Laminates used for the tops, backs, and sides of the most affordable Martins are identified as HPL, standing for high pressure laminate. Made of compressed fibers and resins, these laminates are identified according to the grain pattern on their surface and have a protective clear coating. A guitar designated as having an HPL Spruce top, for example, will have the appearance of spruce. While HPL does not offer all the tonal sparkle and richness of classic tonewoods, the most economical Martin acoustics are still capable of offering a very satisfying sound and playing experience based on the company’s tried-and-true designs. HPL is also very strong, resists warping, and is resistant to climate changes.

Electronics and Cutaways

Other factors to consider are electronics and cutaway options. Martin has teamed up with Fishman to include stage-ready electronics to many of their most popular guitars. Fishman is one of the top names in acoustic amplification, and their electronics complement Martin’s legendary sound to deliver a professional amplified performance. Fishman pickups and preamps are specifically designed to help bring out the unique natural tonal spectrum of each Martin acoustic-electric model on which they’re installed.

Cutaway body styles are a common feature on acoustic-electrics. The cutaway simply allows the player to access the higher notes on the neck of the guitar. If you tend to play a lot of solos and do a lot of fretting high on the neck, a cutaway will help enhance your performance.

The Martin Family of Guitars

Martin produces a wide variety of guitars in a number of different families, each with it’s own specs, price ranges, and characteristics. These families include:

X Series

Road Series

Performing Artist Series

Retro Series

15 and 16 Series

17 Series

Standard Series

Vintage Series

Authentic Series

Read on to find out more about these families and some specific models.

X Series

Featuring solid spruce or spruce- or mahogany-grained HPL (high-pressure laminate) tops, and mahogany-, rosewood-, or koa-grained HPL backs and sides, Martin X Series guitars are among the most affordable Martins. Acoustic-electric models feature onboard Fishman Sonitone electronics for plug-and-play simplicity in amplified settings. Available in 6- and 12-string models in a wide range of body shapes and sizes, they are an excellent choice for a first guitar and for the musician on a tight budget.

Martin uses some innovative and environmentally friendly materials in constructing X Series guitars. Aside from the laminated tops, backs, and sides, these include Stratabond, a laminated hardwood used on necks to resist warping. Resin-based Richlite fingerboards and bridges hold up to many years of hard playing while keeping the price of X Series instruments within reach of the budget-challenged picker. And lefties are in luck—many X Series guitars are available in left-handed models at no extra cost.

Here are some of the most popular X Series models:

Martin DXMAE

The DXMAE is one of Martin’s most popular and affordable acoustic-electric models. Featuring a dreadnought body, an HPL spruce top and HPL mahogany back and sides, this guitar offers Martin’s exceptional quality at a great price. Perfect for the beginner or someone who is looking to upgrade without breaking the bank, the DXMAE delivers rich, sweet tone and comfortable performance. Fishman electronics faithfully amplify its articulate sound.

HPL construction on the Martin DXMAE keeps the price down while Martin’s proven design and top bracing deliver plenty of full, detailed sound from its big dreadnought body.

Martin DXK2AE

With similar specs to the DXMAE, the DXK2AE has a dreadnought body for plenty of volume and an HPL koa-patterned top, back, and sides that visually set this guitar apart from the pack. The Fishman Sonitone electronics have easy-access volume and tone controls mounted just inside the soundhole.

Martin DX1RAE

Another dreadnought in the X series, the DX1RAE has a solid spruce top for bright, articulate sound and beautiful HPL Indian rosewood-patterned back and sides. Its full-size body joins the neck with Martin’s patented mortise and tenon construction that maximizes tone transfer. Stage-ready Fishman electronics make this a great buy for the performer on a budget.

The classic combination of a solid spruce top on an HPL rosewood-grained dreadnought body woth Fishman electronics on board makes the DX1RAE a terrific buy.

Martin 000X1AE

The 000X1AE features a crisp-sounding solid spruce top, HPL-grained mahogany back and sides, and Fishman electronics—all in the smaller 000 body size. This guitar is a great option for the smaller-statured player, but all players will be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the 000X1AE is to play.

The 000 body of the 000X1AE is extremely comfortable, and the on-board Fishman electronics help accurately capture the articulate snap of its solid Sitka spruce top.

Road Series

Stepping up from the X series, Martin’s Road Series guitars are Martin’s lowest cost instruments with all solid-wood construction. They feature more handcrafted details and more sophisticated electronics in the models making them perfect for the gigging musicians. Road Series guitars serve up Martin’s signature sound reliably, night after night at very modest prices.

Learn more about the full range of wallet-friendly Road Series guitars.

Martin DRS1

The Martin DRS1 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is crafted in solid magogany-like sapele that offers rich tone and beautiful visuals. The onboard Fishman Sonitone electronics have a preamp discretely mounted inside the soundhole for easy volume and tone control control access, and a bridge-mounted piezo pickup that captures the top’s warm, rounded tone. The DRS1 neck is built with multilaminate Stratabond for extra rigidity and durability, and the belly bridge and fingerboard are made of Richlite that achieves a look similar to ebony. Includes a hardshell case.

The DRS1 dreadnought’s solid sapele construction generates warm and rounded tones that are accurately captured by the Fishman Sonitone electronics.

Martin DRS2

The Martin DRS2 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar delivers a blend of durability and concert-quality sound and projection. Constructed with solid sapele back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top that delivers excellent clarity, the DRS2 is a serious working musician’s guitar. It has an extra rigid Stratabond neck to withstand the rigors of touring. The Fishman Sonitone sound reinforcement system completes this very road- and stage-worthy Martin. Includes a hardshell case.

The Martin DRS2 dreadnought acoustic produces classic Martin tone with its solid spruce top and is built to handle the rigors of touring and stage work.

Martin 000RSGT

The 000RSGT is an affordable 14-fret 000 Road Series guitar with a polished gloss Sitka spruce top, solid sapele back and sides, and a solid one-piece sipo neck topped with a Richlite fingerboard. The onboard Fishman Sonitone pickup system includes an undersaddle transducer with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls making it stage-ready. A USB port allows easy plug-and-play recording with today's computer-based applications.

Based on the acclaimed Martin Style 18 Auditorium model, the 000RGST delivers trademark appearance and playability together with Fishman electronics and a USB port for plug-in compatibility with recording software.

Performing Artist Series

All Performing Artist models have cutaway bodies that grant easy access to high notes, making them a good choice if you do a lot of soloing. With greater hand-detailing and step-up Fishman electronics on acoustic-electric models, this moderately priced series is aimed at musicians who play out extensively and need an acoustic with superb tone and the ability to hold up to tough touring, night after night. Performing Artist models and all USA-made Martins are constructed with simplified or full dovetail neck joints that maximize tonal transfer by creating an exceptionally tight junction between the neck and body.

Martin GPCPA5K

One of Martin's most affordable Performing Artist models, the GPCPA5K has a comfortable Grand Performance body size with a solid Sitka spruce top and koa-patterned HPL body. The Fishman F1 electronics include a digital chromatic tuner, phase control for enhanced bass and feedback-resistance, and a tone control with mid scoop adjustment for dialing in great dynamics throughout the tonal range . Using advanced construction techniques, Martin is able to produce this fine guitar with a sound that rivals models costing much more.

The GPCPA5K has advanced Fishman F1 electronics to capture all the brilliant response of the solid Sitka spruce top with its Hybrid X bracing.

Martin OMCPA4

Martin's use of solid East Indian rosewood in the Custom Performer OMCPA4 Rosewood Orchestra Acoustic-Electric Guitar adds gorgeous tonal color and variety to its already full-sounding, solid Sitka spruce top. This road-worthy model has a cutaway at the 14th fret for soloing. The fast and comfortable Performing Artist-profile neck makes even long gigs or sessions a pleasure. Fishman’s F1 Analog onboard electronics capture highly detailed acoustic tones that excel both on stage and in studio. Other significant features include Hybrid "X" bracing usually found on more expensive models and a durable black Richlite fingerboard.

The orchestra body combined with a slender easy-playing neck makes the OMCPA4 a pleasure during extended sets and long recording sessions.

Martin GPCPA1

The Martin Grand Performer GPCPA1 Plus acoustic-electric cutaway guitar has solid East Indian rosewood back and sides and is topped with solid Sitka spruce. The rosewood brings out deep bass notes, while the Sitka spruce has a clear and powerful tone. Ovangkol purfling and binding add a luxurious touch. The Fishman F1 Aura + electronics amplify the rosewood-spruce combination of the Grand Performer eloquently. The two-ring pearl rosette, arrows and squares inlay, gloss finish, and pickguard gracefully compliment the deeply contrasting colors of the rosewood and spruce. Includes a case.

The GPCPA1 is equipped with Fishman Aura electronics that let you dial in your amplified sound using professionally recorded sound images created with world-class mics.

Take a video tour of the complete Grand Performing Artist model lineup.

Martin GPCPA3

The GPCPA3 features a 14-fret cutaway with fast and comfortable Performing Artist-profile neck. Fishman's F1 Aura + onboard electronics let you choose from a range of professionally recorded sound images that are optimized for the specific tonal profile of the guitar . The back and sides are of solid sapele with a solid Sitka spruce top for a bright, balanced sound. The 25.4" scale-length neck is made of select hardwood and features a black Richlite fingerboard with Corian position inlays. Includes a case.

The combination of a solid Sitka spruce top with solid sapele body creates a very balanced tonal range in the GPCPA3 that’s ready to bring to life onstage with the Fishman F1 Aura preamp system.

Retro Series

Martin Retro Series acoustic-electric guitars are the outcome of a close collaboration between the company and Fishman Electronics. Using Fishman’s remarkable Aura technology to create sound images of glorious Golden-Era instruments from the Martin museum, Retro models have the look of vintage instruments but offer the playability of new, finely crafted guitars. No effort was spared in capturing the tonal DNA of the original guitars, including the use of vintage mics to capture their recorded sound accurately. Plugged in, Retro instruments capture Golden-Era sound and deliver that sound in a plug-and-play configuration ready for amplified performance settings. Despite their patina of age, Retro models include the new high-performance neck taper and low-oval profile that makes playing them an unalloyed pleasure.

Learn about the Fishman Aura technology and old-school craftsmanship that make Retro Series Martins a breed apart.

OM-28E Retro Series Orchestra Acoustic Electric

Ideal for fingerstyle fanatics, this is a modern recreation of a vintage Orchestra Martin. Beautifully crafted with East Indian rosewood back and sides, it has the highly playable Performing Artist neck taper and is sumptuously bound and finished. Plug it in to engage the Fishman F1 Aura Plus electronics that faithfully produce the sound of a museum-quality instrument that’s ready for the stage or studio.

D-35E Retro Series Acoustic Electric

The Fishman F1 Aura Plus sound images for this big and bold dreadnought were taken from a prized 1967 vintage D-35. Era-correct mics were used to capture its breathtaking voice that delivers everything from crystalline trebles to roaring bass notes and everything in between with enormous articulation. The European spruce top and East Indian rosewood body with deluxe appointments beautifully emulate all the craftsmanship of the “donor” instrument, while the updated Performing Artist Taper neck provides modern playability.

Find out more about Fishman’s collaboration with Martin in our exclusive Gear Pioneer interview with Larry Fishman here.

15 Series

Designed to appeal to the traditionalist, they are crafted to reproduce the look and sound of 1940s 15 Series models. Featuring East Indian rosewood on the fingerboard, Martin’s A-frame X-bracing, and solid mahogany tops and bodies, they deliver the vintage tone that is a hallmark of Martin’s legacy. Martin’s 15 Series is sure to please old-school guitar enthusiasts. Fingerboards and bridges are made of morado—a Bolivian rosewood.

Martin D-15M

The big dreadnought body and 14 open frets provide great tonal range. The top and body are are crafted in solid mahogany for robust reponse and articulate note definition. Reminiscent of the sound of 1940s-era Style 15 guitars, the vintage tone sounds sweet on everything from folk to country to blues. Deluxe appointments include a single-ring rosette, bone nut, tapered headstock with a solid East Indian rosewood headplate, inlaid fingerboard diamonds and squares, a belly-style bridge, and open-geared tuners with vintage butterbean knobs. A Delmar tortoise pickguard underscores the vintage vibe. Includes a Martin 345 hardshell guitar case.

The D15M with its all-mahogany dreadnought construction and luxurious appointments is an ideal match for the guitarist who loves the look and sound of 1940s 15 Series instruments.

Martin 00015M

A bookmatched solid mahogany top with solid all-mahogany body produces rich, vintage tone with looks to match. A-frame Sitka Spruce X-bracing and a traditional maple bridge-plate provide excellent tonal transfer. The mahogany 14-fret neck is topped with an East Indian rosewood fingerboard and headplate. Deluxe appointments include a bone saddle and nut. A dark mahogany stain with satin lacquer finish provides elegantly simple looks. Includes a case.

The 000 solid mahogany body and top of the 00015M generates rich, resonant tone that’s slightly dark and satisfyingly well-rounded.

16 Series

Martin’s 16 Series instruments are appreciated by players looking for a moderately priced guitar that delivers a lot of sustain and punch. While they may not have all the cosmetic luxury of more costly series, they produce plenty of the famed Martin bass response and very evenly balanced overall tone.

Martin D-16GT

This dreadnoughts solid Sitka spruce top with hybrid “X” scalloped bracing on a solid mahogany body generates plenty of robust tone across all registers. The modified low oval neck shape is extremely comfortable.

17 Series

With a rich history dating back to 1906, the Matyin 17 Series have clean, vintage styling and can be used to produce satisfying sounds in diverse styles of music.

Martin D-17M

Recreating the look of Martin's original Style 17 guitars, the dreadnought-bodied D17M has a solid Sitka spruce top finished in a shaded gloss, solid mahogany body, and tortoise brown binding. With its generously sized sound chamber and crystalline top end, it makes a great instrument for everything from hard-driving rock rhythms to more subtle fingerstyle performances. Includes a case.

The subtle shading on the solid Sitka spruce top of the D-17M adds beautiful visuals to a dreadnought that generates huge bass notes and transparent, chiming trebles.

Martin 000-17SM

Sporting the same luscious finish as its dreadnoughtr big brother, the 000-17SM features a tight, 12-fret body and vintage slotted East Indian rosewood headstock making it a completely unique instrument. Includes a 331 hardshell guitar case.

The smaller-bodied 000-17SM is a versatile acoustic that responds eagerly to all kinds of playing including hard strumming, flatpicking, and fingerstyle techniques.

Standard Series

Including some of Martin’s most iconic and longest-running models, the Standard Series encompasses the heart of Martin’s legacy. Including the D28 and D35, the Standard Series features premium tonewoods, brilliant bracing and scalloping techniques, as well as lavish appointments and finishes . Whether you’re looking for the guitar of a lifetime, or a workhorse for your studio, the Standard Series has models to meet the demands of the most sophisticated guitarists.

Martin D-28

The revered sound of the Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar makes it the legend that it has deservedly become. This flagship Martin has a solid Sitka spruce top with glossy finish that produces bright and articulate string-to-string definition. The stunning polished East Indian rosewood back and sides, and genuine ebony fingerboard and bridge speak to its innate luxury. With its enormous warmth and punchy projection, the D-28 excels at delivering forceful rhythms in settings ranging from rock to bluegrass. The choice of countless performers and a staple in recording studios, the D-28 represents the pinnacle of the luthier’s art. Includes a Martin deluxe hardshell case and limited lifetime warranty.

Nothing equals the Martin Standard D-28 for sumptuous, rolling bass notes and brilliant trebles balanced by a gorgeous, highly articulate midrange. Suiperb craftsmanship and the highest quality tonewoods make it the standard against which all other dreadnoughts are judged.

Martin D-35

The Martin D-35’s expansive solid Sitka spruce top generates huge projection and plenty of deep resonance for powerful rhythm work. Lighter 1/4" top braces help bring out its crystalline treble range. A classic defining feature of the D-35 is its three-piece back and sides crafted from premium East Indian rosewood. The fully bound ebony fretboard and body binding contrasts with the rich warmth of the rosewood.. Includes a deluxe Martin hardshell case.

The Martin Standard D-35 is the epitome of fine craftsmanship married with the most sought-after woods and appointments. Its huge dreadnought sound provides powerful drive and excellent articulation in just about any musical setting.

Martin D-45V

The Martin D-45V Acoustic Guitar merges modern innovation with tried-and-true design elements and the most luxurious materials, resulting in a highly collectible, heirloom-quality instrument. Handcrafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, the top is has forward-shifted X scalloped bracing for beautifully balanced tone in all registers. The modified V-shaped neck is a pleasure to play and will keep you happily picking for hours on end. A specially designed ebony bridge and bone nut produces endless sustain and nuanced response to your picking and strumming techniques. Abalone pearl Snoflake inlays and ivoroid binding give the D-45V visual distinction that’s heightened by a polished gloss finish that employs an aging toner on the top for a glorious patina. A deluxe case is included.

The D-45V blends the latest developments in luthiery with time-tested materials and techniques to create a dreadnought that pours out delightful tone in every register. A meticulously applied finish and inlay details make it a highly collectible instrument.

Take a video tour of the sumptuous Martin D-45V.

Explore the full selection of Martin Standard and Vintage Series guitars at Musician’s Friend here.

Authentic Series

Martin’s extensive museum collection and archives gives its guitar builders the resources to accurately reproduce the most valuable acoustic instruments ever made. To ensure the magic of the originals is retained in the Authentic models, Martin luthiers apply hand-building skills that have been passed down and preserved for over 180 years. Authentic instruments retain the light weight, aesthetic beauty, quality materials, and sonic properties of the best original specimens. Even the cases are made from the actual tooling used to make the originals.

Martin D-28 Authentic 1941

Meticulously recreating a 1941 D-28 on display in the Martin museum, this guitar features precious Madagascar rosewood back and sides, an Adirondack spruce top, and authentic 1941 D-28 appointments and specifications. These include the neck barrel profile, heel, diamond, head taper, and slots. Other cosmetics include authentic zig-zag purfling, a fossilized ivory nut, and beautifully applied and polished finish with aging toner. Includes a deluxe 545V Harptone case.

An immaculate recreation of a beautifully preserved 1941 D-28 in the Martin Museum, the D-28 Authentic 1941 dreadnought is an investment-grade instrument that is also a complete delight to behold and play.

Martin OM-18 Authentic 1933

Martin built this exquisite instrument based on a 1933 OM-18 on loan from Fred Oster of Vintage Instruments. Lovingly handcrafted with deluxe mahogany back and sides and an Adirondack spruce top braced in the circa-1933 pattern, it generates tremendous vintage tones. Sporting period-correct OM-18 details such as the 1933 neck barrel and heel, this is your chance to own a piece of guitar history.

Painstaking details coupled with magnificent woods make the OM-18 Authentic a fabulously accurate and sonically comparable instrument to the pristine original on which it’s modeled.

Find your voice with a Martin today

In this guide are just some of the many exquisite guitars Martin currently offers. Check out our enormous Martin collection to find all the wonderful gems available from one of the finest guitar manufacturers in the world. Whether you’re just starting out, looking for a reliable road guitar, or a unique collectible, Musicians Friend has what you’re looking for.

For expert help in selecting the Martin guitar that matches your musical needs and budget, call one of our friendly Gear Heads at 800-449-9128.

Is there a guide to use when judging a fair price for a Martin guitar. I found a 1972 12 string in good condition. How do I find what it is worth? Ballpark numbers is all I need ($800-$1500). Thanks. jn

The famous Canadian folk singer, Gordon Lightfoot, spoke of Matin guitars by name in his song 10 Degrees and Getting Colder - . The line goes something like " .. So he traded off his Martin but his troubles are not over. For his feet are almost frozen and the sun is sinking low " Great song about a road musician down on his luck